IJR News

Trump orders warning signs outside Smithsonian amid broader review

President Donald Trump ordered warning signs and temporary exhibits to be installed outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, directing visitors to what he calls accurate information and citing a White House report accusing museum leadership of anti-Americanism and extreme activism. Smithsonian officials and historians have pushed back, arguing the White House characterization is unfair and that the museum seeks to present a nuanced history rather than a political narrative.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

Crime

Space Needle BASE Jumpers Prompt Security Review

Two thrill-seekers conducted an illegal BASE jump from the Space Needle’s observation deck, sparking an active investigation as officials review security footage and work with police; the stunt has drawn mixed reactions online and raised questions about potential tighter security at Seattle’s landmark. Authorities have not released the jumpers’ identities or any charges, but the incident has underscored ongoing concerns about safety at popular attractions.

Seattle Center Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Jul 27, 2026

Basketball

Tyla's A*POP set for release, fans await

Tyla’s sophomore album A*POP arrives tonight with 14 tracks and a rollout built on intimate listening sessions, continuing her chart-successful run with singles like Chanel, She Did It Again, and Is It Love. The project expands her sound with collaborations from MaWhoo and Babalwa M, and she frames A*POP as a more personal, boundary-pushing statement releasing around late July, marking a maturation beyond a single African-artist label.

Jul 27, 2026

Royal Family

Meghan, Harry Europe Photos and Diana Site

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a string of Instagram photos from a European summer holiday with their children Archie and Lilibet, featuring beach and pool moments in Portugal and a reunion at Highgrove with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The posts include playful cockpit moments, candid family scenes, and notes of ongoing security considerations and renovations around their Portugal property.

United States United Kingdom

Jul 27, 2026

Cycling

Pogačar Secures Fifth Tour de France Title

Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France concludes at Orcières-Merlette after a brutal 185km of alpine climbing, setting up a potential reshaping of the general classification with a decisive final ascent. With Tadej Pogačar in yellow facing a UAE Team Emirates illness cloud, climbers like Richard Carapaz and Valentin Paret-Peintre will chase mountain points and stage glory ahead of the Alpe d’Huez finale.

Isaac Del Toro Tadej Pogačar

Jul 27, 2026

Lawsuits

Lawsuits expand challenge to new Section 301 tariffs

Two small U.S. businesses filed lawsuits in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging President Trump’s latest 60-country tariff round under Section 301, arguing the administration lacks country-specific findings and seeking to halt enforcement and obtain refunds. The suits come as new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% took effect after the expiration of a temporary surcharge, intensifying ongoing legal battles over the administration’s use of Section 301.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

Canadian NATO intern arrested in Belgium after raids

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin who interned at NATO’s SHAPE site in Mons, Belgium, was arrested on spying charges for allegedly spying on behalf of a third country and being part of a criminal organization, with the suspect’s name not disclosed. Investigations are ongoing, with officials noting potential implications for national security, intellectual property protection, and investor sentiment across related sectors.

Belgium Canadians

Jul 27, 2026

Energy Sector

Oil Rises on Middle East Tensions, Markets Eye Yields

WTI crude prices remain volatile as supply disruptions and Middle East tensions keep a risk premium, with charts hovering around the low-to-mid 80s and potential moves toward resistance levels such as 91.25 per barrel. Diplomatic developments with Iran, possible sanctions relief, and OPEC+ production decisions could steer prices either lower on increased supply or higher on geopolitical risk, sustaining market volatility amid demand concerns.

Jul 27, 2026

Food & Drink

Offbeat Georgia Towns Draw Visitors, Boost Regional Tourism

Georgia showcases a diverse travel landscape, from state towns like Folkston, Juliette, and Euharlee preserving working-era and film-history charm, to Helen's Bavarian-style downtown and Lindenhaus Imports offering a European-flavored detour in the mountains. The region’s cuisine also highlights bold Georgian flavors, with dishes like chakhokhbili and khmeli suneli demonstrating the depth of traditional spice-driven cooking.

United States Europe

Jul 27, 2026

Golf

Jerry Kelly Wins Senior Open, Third Major

Jerry Kelly, at 59 the oldest winner since Bernhard Langer, captured the 2026 ISPS Handa Senior Open at Gleneagles by two strokes to claim his third senior major, finishing 10-under after a final-round 68 that included a clutch bunker shot on the 18th. He outlasted Cameron Percy and Matt Gogel (and Darren Fichardt) as the field surged behind him, earning exemptions into the 2027 Open Championship and the Senior Open as a past champion.

Darren Fichardt Jerry Kelly

Jul 27, 2026

Basketball

Five DC Teens, Coach Arrested in Florida Theft

Five Washington, D.C.-area teens and their AAU coach Malik Abdul Harvey were arrested in Davenport, Florida, after allegedly conspiring to steal snacks and drinks from a 7-Eleven during a Puma NXTPro basketball tournament; the stolen items were worth $37.60 and hidden in a backpack, with three teens detained near the Solterra resort and Harvey later admitting he lied to protect them. The teens face conspiracy to retail theft, tampering with evidence, petit theft, and juvenile curfew violations, while Harvey is charged with child neglect, contributing to delinquency, accessory after the fact, and resisting an officer.

Florida Maryland

Jul 26, 2026

Crime

Morales Arrested in Upper West Side Stabbings

Raul Morales, 51, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and hate crime in connection with two daytime stabbings on Manhattan's Upper West Side that injured a Jewish man and a Asian man; investigators say he yelled 'Allahu Akbar' during the attacks and are probing motive as the victims recover.

Jewish people Manhattan

Jul 26, 2026

Muslim

US Sanctions Muslim Brotherhood Hamas Financing Network

The U.S. Treasury's OFAC sanctioned a senior Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood official, Mahmoud al-Abyari, along with three individuals and three entities across Egypt, the UK, Indonesia, Gaza and Türkiye for aiding Hamas through front charities, trading companies and underground financial networks. The actions, coordinated with the FBI, DEA and CBP, aim to dismantle cross-border fundraising channels and follow Scott Bessent’s pledge that the administration will relentlessly pursue terrorists and their financiers.

Scott Bessent

Jul 26, 2026

Brian Walton, Rupp Band Plan 2026 BBR Festival

ACM award-winning artist Brian Walton will headline the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival in Challis, Idaho, August 5–9, 2026, with The Darren Rupp Band and free admission, as part of Walton’s Merica Tour supporting veterans’ charities. Proceeds, including streaming revenue, benefit veteran organizations through Walton’s ongoing ‘Merica initiative.

United States American Diabetes Association

Jul 26, 2026

Comic-Con Showcases Global Cosplay Amid Heat

San Diego Comic-Con showcases cosplayers who invest months and about $400 on outfits like Toothless, blending theater, music, and dance to bring characters to life. Attendees stress confidence and heat management, while on-site repair volunteers like Bryan Mero provide free, essential costume fixes to keep the creativity flowing.

San Diego Comic-Con International How to Train Your Dragon